Hello Im a Canadian kid who just turned 16 and I have always wanted a 5.0 litre mustang. Recently I spotted an 89' black convertible LX. The car looked so good I thought it would have to have the 302 in it, however when I phoned the dealer said it was a 4cylinder 4speed automatic with 220,000km on it. YUCK!! That is when I subsribed to car craft, to better understand the world cars. It turns out that the dealer would sell me the mustang for $2500 with 93 cougar 302 that runs, and a T5 five speed witch I would hope to tinker with. The cougar 302 should not be as beat up as a mustang 302, and is apparenty more responsive to upgrades. My question is, do you think that it would be worth it? My Dad and my Brother Know very little about cars, and my garage is a little cramped for a swap. Should I do it myself or have a garage do it? Also before I put the 302 in it should I rebuild it,and how much would that cost. Thanks alot Billy Wright.  

Depends on how much time, money and effort you want to put in.  The swap can be done and is fairly straightforward.  However, it won't necessarily be easy or cheap.  Min301 would be a good guy to talk to.

The biggest thing is getting the Mustang wiring harness, computer and fuel system. You'll need that. You can swap all the accesories over straight, the oil pan is the same, as are the mount's.  The Cougar intake's suck, so now would be a good place for a GT40 intake set.

On the motor, the cam's aren't the same, the Mustang's is much more aggressive, and uses the 351w firing order(that would be a 4/7 swap if this were a checvy).

You'll also need the Mustang's Distributor, as it is a Roller equipped motor, the Cougar was not.

Exhaust is straightforward, use mustang stuff.

Same with the rearend.

With the price of the V-8 Mustangs not being bad I would just look around and find a V-8 car to start with.  From personal experience it is easier to learn gradually than from jumping into a big project to start with.  

My friend,

If I where you I would just buy a 5.0 car, so many things have to be changed of a non V8  car so you can use a V8 in it. Not to mention the car dealer is offering all this other stuff, just be careful. You may end up with a ton of parts and no where to put them. Having said all that, it might be kinda fun if you have the time, money, and space. I would rebuild the motor if it was already out, that way you know whats in it.

I have seen 5.0 Mustangs  for the same type of cash you are talkn bout and you could bolt on a lot of upgrades in place of all that other work.

Good luck! I hope you find what your lookn for, and just so you know these are only my opinions, I don't what to crush your dream just help with it!!

Thanks for the heads up, the dealer says that I could put the  engine in, and put the t-5 in for $4000. But others have said that I will need many more parts eg. intake, rear end. The reason that I was so interested in this mustang is simply because a 5.0 litre in that great of shape would run for about $7,500, where as this 4 cylinder would be cheaper. Plus I mean a convertible street rod is a real girl getter. Maybe I will look around for a descent stock 5.0 litre. Thanks alot Billy Wright.